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Tian M, Zhang S, Tan F. The cGAS/STING Pathway-A New Potential Biotherapeutic Target for Gastric Cancer? J Pers Med 2024; 14:736. [PMID: 39063990 PMCID: PMC11277918 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14070736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer ranks among the top five deadliest tumors worldwide, both in terms of prevalence and mortality rates. Despite mainstream treatments, the efficacy in treating gastric cancer remains suboptimal, underscoring the urgency for novel therapeutic approaches. The elucidation of tumor immunosuppressive microenvironments has shifted focus towards cancer biotherapeutics, which leverage the patient's immune system or biologics to target tumor cells. Biotherapy has emerged as a promising alternative for tumors resistant to traditional chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy. Central to this paradigm is the cGAS-STING pathway, a pivotal component of the innate immune system. This pathway recognizes aberrant DNA, such as that from viral infections or tumor cells, and triggers an immune response, thereby reshaping the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment into an immune-stimulating milieu. In the context of gastric cancer, harnessing the cGAS-STING pathway holds significant potential for biotherapeutic interventions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on cGAS-STING in gastric cancer, including insights from clinical trials involving STING agonists. Furthermore, it assesses the prospects of targeting the cGAS-STING pathway as a novel biotherapeutic strategy for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxiang Tian
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410017, China; (M.T.); (F.T.)
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410017, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410017, China; (M.T.); (F.T.)
| | - Fengbo Tan
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410017, China; (M.T.); (F.T.)
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410017, China
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2
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Cao C, Li Y, Shi F, Jiang S, Li Y, Yang L, Zhou X, Gao Y, Tang F, Li H, Han S, Yu Z, Zou Y, Guo J. Nano co-delivery of doxorubicin and plumbagin achieves synergistic chemotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Pharm 2024; 661:124424. [PMID: 38971510 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.124424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapy drug used for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment, but its effectiveness can be dramatically dampened by cancer cell chemoresistance. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is implicated with drug resistance in a range of cancers (e.g., HCC), and the STAT3 inhibition can reverse the resistance of cancer cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. In the present study, a combination regimen to improve the efficiency of DOX was provided via the STAT3 blockade using plumbagin (PLB). A poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) decorated by polyethylene glycol and aminoethyl anisamide was produced in the present study with the hope of generating the nanoparticles for co-delivery of DOX and PLB. The resulting co-formulation suppressed the STAT3 activity and achieved the synergistic chemotherapy, which led to tumor inhibition in the mice with subcutaneous DOX-resistant HCC, without causing any toxicity. The present study reveals the synergism of DOX and PLB, and demonstrates a promising combinatorial approach for treating HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenyu Cao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yifei Li
- Department of Geriatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Fangzhou Shi
- Department of Geriatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Shanshan Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yutong Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Leilei Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xinyi Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yuqiong Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Feiyan Tang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Huan Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Shulan Han
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Zhuo Yu
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yifang Zou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Jianfeng Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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3
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Yu X, Cai L, Yao J, Li C, Wang X. Agonists and Inhibitors of the cGAS-STING Pathway. Molecules 2024; 29:3121. [PMID: 38999073 PMCID: PMC11243509 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29133121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is pivotal in immunotherapy. Several agonists and inhibitors of the cGAS-STING pathway have been developed and evaluated for the treatment of various diseases. The agonists aim to activate STING, with cyclic dinucleotides (CDNs) being the most common, while the inhibitors aim to block the enzymatic activity or DNA binding ability of cGAS. Meanwhile, non-CDN compounds and cGAS agonists are also gaining attention. The omnipresence of the cGAS-STING pathway in vivo indicates that its overactivation could lead to undesired inflammatory responses and autoimmune diseases, which underscores the necessity of developing both agonists and inhibitors of the cGAS-STING pathway. This review describes the molecular traits and roles of the cGAS-STING pathway and summarizes the development of cGAS-STING agonists and inhibitors. The information is supposed to be conducive to the design of novel drugs for targeting the cGAS-STING pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxuan Yu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Linxiang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jingyue Yao
- Department of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Cenming Li
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaoyong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
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4
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Jiang K, Wu J, Wang Q, Chen X, Zhang Y, Gu X, Tang K. Nanoparticles targeting the adenosine pathway for cancer immunotherapy. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:5787-5811. [PMID: 38845588 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00292j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, as an emerging approach to cancer treatment, has tremendous potential for application. Compared to traditional methods such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, it has the ability to restore the patient's immune system, leading to long-term immune memory with less damage to normal tissues. However, immunotherapy has its limitations, including limited therapeutic efficacy, restricted patient populations, and inconsistent treatment responses. Finding effective immunotherapeutic approaches has become a key focus of its clinical application. The adenosine pathway is a recently discovered tumor immune regulatory signaling pathway. It can influence the metabolism and growth of tumor cells by acting through key enzymes in the adenosine pathway, thereby affecting the development of tumors. Therefore, inhibiting the adenosine pathway is an effective cancer immunotherapy. Common adenosine pathway inhibitors include small molecules and antibody proteins, and extensive preclinical trials have demonstrated their effectiveness in inhibiting tumor growth. The short half-life, low bioavailability, and single administration route of adenosine pathway inhibitors limit their clinical application. With the advent of nanotechnology, nano-delivery of adenosine pathway inhibitors has addressed these issues. Compared to traditional drugs, nano-drugs extend the drug's circulation time and improve its distribution within the body. They also offer targeting capabilities and have low toxic side effects, making them very promising for future applications. In this review, we discuss the mechanism of the adenosine pathway in tumor immune suppression, the clinical applications of adenosine pathway inhibitors, and nano-delivery based on adenosine pathway inhibitors. In the final part of this article, we also briefly discuss the technical issues and challenges currently present in nano-delivery of adenosine pathway inhibitors, with the hope of advancing the progress of adenosine inhibitor nano-drugs in clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kehua Jiang
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
| | - Yanlong Zhang
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
| | - Xiaoya Gu
- Department of Urology, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
- Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Kun Tang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, Hubei, 430030, China.
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Wang J, Meng F, Yeo Y. Delivery of STING agonists for cancer immunotherapy. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 87:103105. [PMID: 38461748 PMCID: PMC11162310 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2024.103105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Agonists of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)-Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) pathway, a critical mediator of innate immune response to foreign invaders with DNA, have gained significant interest in cancer immunotherapy. STING agonists are envisioned as a way of complementing the antitumor activity of the patient's immune system and immune checkpoint blockade therapy. However, their clinical development has been challenging due to the poor pharmacokinetic and physicochemical properties. This review discusses drug delivery efforts to circumvent the challenges, their accomplishment, and unmet needs based on the last five years of literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Wang
- Department of Industrial and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Purdue University, 575 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Fanfei Meng
- Department of Industrial and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Purdue University, 575 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Department of Biomedical and Nutritional Sciences, University of Massachusetts Lowell, 3 Solomont Way, Lowell, MA 01854, USA
| | - Yoon Yeo
- Department of Industrial and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Purdue University, 575 Stadium Mall Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Purdue University Institute for Cancer Research, 201 South University Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA; Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 S Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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Yang Y, Qi J, Hu J, Zhou Y, Zheng J, Deng W, Inam M, Guo J, Xie Y, Li Y, Xu C, Deng W, Chen W. Lovastatin/SN38 co-loaded liposomes amplified ICB therapeutic effect via remodeling the immunologically-cold colon tumor and synergized stimulation of cGAS-STING pathway. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216765. [PMID: 38408604 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Current immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) immunotherapeutics have revolutionized cancer treatment. However, many cancers especially the "immunologically cold" tumors, do not respond to ICB, prompting the search for additional strategies to achieve durable responses. The cGAS-STING pathway, as an essential immune response pathway, has been demonstrated for a potent target to sensitize ICB immunotherapy. However, the low efficiency of conventional STING agonists limits their clinical application. Recent studies have shown that DNA topoisomerase I (TOPI) inhibitor chemodrug SN38 can activate the cGAS-STING pathway and induce an immune response through DNA damage, while the traditional statins medication lovastatin was found to inhibit DNA damage repair, which may in turn upregulate the damaged DNA level. Herein, we have developed a liposomal carrier co-loaded with SN38 and lovastatin (SL@Lip), which can be accumulated in tumors and efficiently released SN38 and lovastatin, addressing the problem of weak solubility of these two drugs. Importantly, lovastatin can increase DNA damage and enhance the activation of cGAS-STING pathway, coordinating with SN38 chemotherapy and exhibiting the enhanced combinational immunotherapy of PD-1 antibody by remodeling the tumor microenvironment in mouse colorectal cancer of both subcutaneous and orthotopic xenograft models. Overall, this study demonstrates that lovastatin-assisted cGAS-STING stimulation mediated by liposomal delivery system significantly strengthened both chemotherapy and immunotherapy of colorectal cancer, providing a clinically translational strategy for combinational ICB therapy in the "immunologically cold" tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Jialong Qi
- Yunnan Digestive Endoscopy Clinical Medical Center, Department of Gastroenterology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, 650032, PR China
| | - Jialin Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - You Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Jiena Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Wenxia Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Muhammad Inam
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Jiaxin Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Yongyi Xie
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Yuan Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China
| | - Chuanshan Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China.
| | - Wei Deng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, 2007, Australia.
| | - Wenjie Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease & The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, PR China.
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7
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Xie Y, Li K, Liang J, Wang K, Gong Z, Chen X. Co-delivery of doxorubicin and STING agonist cGAMP for enhanced antitumor immunity. Int J Pharm 2024; 654:123955. [PMID: 38423155 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Many chemotherapeutic agents can induce immunogenic cell death (ICD), which leads to the release of danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and tumor-associated antigens. This process promotes dendritic cells (DCs) maturation and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) infiltration. However, cancer cells can employ diverse mechanisms to evade the host immune system. Recent studies have shown that stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists, such as cGAMP, can amplify ICD-triggered immune responses and enhance the infiltration of immune cells into the tumor microenvironment (TME). Building upon these findings, we constructed a doxorubicin (DOX) and cGAMP co-delivery system (DOX/cGAMP@NPs) for melanoma and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) therapy. The results demonstrated that DOX could effectively destroy tumors and induce the release of DAMPs by ICD. Furthermore, in orthotopic 4T1 tumors mice model and subcutaneous B16 tumor mice model, cGAMP could promote the maturation of DCs and CD8+ T cell activation and infiltration by inducing the secretion of type I interferons and pro-inflammation cytokine, which amplified the antitumor immune response induced by DOX. This strategy also promoted the depletion of immunosuppressive cells, potentially alleviating the immunosuppressive TME. In conclusion, our study highlights the combination of DOX-induced ICD and the immune-enhancing properties of cGAMP holds significant implications for future research and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Xie
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Kangkang Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jinxin Liang
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Kaixuan Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zixuan Gong
- Qingdao No.58 High School of Shandong Province, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuehong Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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Wang L, Yu Z, Zhang J, Guo J. Nanoformulations of chemotherapeutic activators of the cGAS-STING pathway in tumor chemoimmunotherapy. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:103892. [PMID: 38272174 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.103892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Chemotherapeutic drugs to activate the cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway have been exploited for tumor chemoimmunotherapy. The clinical translation of chemotherapeutic cGAS-STING activators is hindered by the lack of safe, efficient, and specific delivery strategies. Nanodrug delivery systems (NDDS) designed for reducing toxic effects and improving transport effectiveness potentiate in vivo delivery of chemotherapeutic cGAS-STING activators. cGAS-STING monotherapy often encounters tumor resistance without providing satisfactory therapeutic benefit; therefore combination therapy is desirable. This review describes NDDS strategies for surmounting delivery obstacles of chemotherapeutic cGAS-STING activators and highlights combinatorial regimens, which utilize therapeutics that work by different mechanisms, for optimal therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingzhi Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Zhuo Yu
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital, Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jihong Zhang
- Hematology Laboratory, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110022, China.
| | - Jianfeng Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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Yu Z, Huang L, Guo J. Anti-stromal nanotherapeutics for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Control Release 2024; 367:500-514. [PMID: 38278367 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.01.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most commonly diagnosed primary liver cancer, has become a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Accumulating evidence confirms that the stromal constituents within the tumor microenvironment (TME) exacerbate HCC malignancy and set the barriers to current anti-HCC treatments. Recent developments of nano drug delivery system (NDDS) have facilitated the application of stroma-targeting therapeutics, disrupting the stromal TME in HCC. This review discusses the stromal activities in HCC development and therapy resistance. In addition, it addresses the delivery challenges of NDDS for stroma-targeting therapeutics (termed anti-stromal nanotherapeutics in this review), and provides recent advances in anti-stromal nanotherapeutics for safe, effective, and specific HCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Yu
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Leaf Huang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jianfeng Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
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Dong W, Xu L, Chang C, Jiang T, Chen CP, Zhang G. A novel self-assembled nucleobase-nanofiber platform of CDN to activate the STING pathway for synergistic cancer immunotherapy. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2023; 232:113597. [PMID: 37862947 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
2', 3'-cGAMP (CDN) as cGAS-STING pathway agonist is extensively used in tumor treatment. However, due to its negatively charged nature (containing two phosphate groups) and high hydrophilicity, CDN faces challenges in crossing cell membranes, resulting in reduced efficiency of its use. Additionally, CDN is susceptible to inactivation through phosphodiesterase hydrolysis. Therefore, the development of a new drug delivery system for CDN is necessary to prevent hydrolysis and enhance targeted accumulation in tumors, as well as improve cellular uptake for STING activation. In this study, we have developed peptide-polymer nanofibers (PEG-Q11) that incorporate thymine (T) and arginine (R) residues to facilitate complexation with CDN through the principles of Watson-Crick base pairing with thymine and favorable electrostatic interactions and bidentate hydrogen bonding with arginine side chains. The entrapment efficiency (EE) of PEG-Q11T3R4@CDN was found to be 51% higher than that of PEG-Q11@CDN. Due to its favorable biocompatibility, PEG-Q11T3R4@CDN was employed for immunotherapy in mouse CT26 tumors. In local tumor treatment, the administration of PEG-Q11T3R4@CDN at a low dose and through a single injection exhibited inhibitory effects. Furthermore, the local injection of PEG-Q11T3R4@CDN resulted in systemic therapeutic responses, effectively suppressing tumor metastasis by activating CD8 + T cells to target distant tumors. This research not only underscores the potential of PEG-Q11T3R4@CDN as an efficient therapeutic agent but also highlights its ability to achieve long-lasting systemic therapeutic outcomes following local treatment. Consequently, PEG-Q11T3R4@CDN represents a promising strategy for immunization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenpei Dong
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions of Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Henan Engineering Research Centre of Chiral Hydroxyl Pharmaceutical, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
| | - Lingyun Xu
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions of Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Henan Engineering Research Centre of Chiral Hydroxyl Pharmaceutical, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
| | - Chun Chang
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions of Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Henan Engineering Research Centre of Chiral Hydroxyl Pharmaceutical, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions of Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Henan Engineering Research Centre of Chiral Hydroxyl Pharmaceutical, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China.
| | - Chang-Po Chen
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions of Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Henan Engineering Research Centre of Chiral Hydroxyl Pharmaceutical, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China.
| | - Guisheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Green Chemical Media and Reactions of Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Henan Province for Green Manufacturing of Fine Chemicals, Henan Engineering Research Centre of Chiral Hydroxyl Pharmaceutical, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang, Henan 453007, China.
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Huang C, Shao N, Huang Y, Chen J, Wang D, Hu G, Zhang H, Luo L, Xiao Z. Overcoming challenges in the delivery of STING agonists for cancer immunotherapy: A comprehensive review of strategies and future perspectives. Mater Today Bio 2023; 23:100839. [PMID: 38024837 PMCID: PMC10630661 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
STING (Stimulator of Interferon Genes) agonists have emerged as promising agents in the field of cancer immunotherapy, owing to their excellent capacity to activate the innate immune response and combat tumor-induced immunosuppression. This review provides a comprehensive exploration of the strategies employed to develop effective formulations for STING agonists, with particular emphasis on versatile nano-delivery systems. The recent advancements in delivery systems based on lipids, natural/synthetic polymers, and proteins for STING agonists are summarized. The preparation methodologies of nanoprecipitation, self-assembly, and hydrogel, along with their advantages and disadvantages, are also discussed. Furthermore, the challenges and opportunities in developing next-generation STING agonist delivery systems are elaborated. This review aims to serve as a reference for researchers in designing novel and effective STING agonist delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiqing Huang
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Department of Ultrasound, Guangdong Women and Children Hospital, Guangzhou, 511400, China
| | - Ni Shao
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yanyu Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Jifeng Chen
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Duo Wang
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Genwen Hu
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
- Department of Radiology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Interventional Vascular Surgery, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Dongguan, 523560, China
| | - Liangping Luo
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zeyu Xiao
- The Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Molecular and Functional Imaging for Clinical Translation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
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12
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Zhang J, Wang S, Zhang D, He X, Wang X, Han H, Qin Y. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems to enhance cancer immunotherapy in solid tumors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1230893. [PMID: 37600822 PMCID: PMC10435760 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1230893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has developed rapidly in solid tumors, especially in the areas of blocking inhibitory immune checkpoints and adoptive T-cell transfer for immune regulation. Many patients benefit from immunotherapy. However, the response rate of immunotherapy in the overall population are relatively low, which depends on the characteristics of the tumor and individualized patient differences. Moreover, the occurrence of drug resistance and adverse reactions largely limit the development of immunotherapy. Recently, the emergence of nanodrug delivery systems (NDDS) seems to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy by encapsulating drug carriers in nanoparticles to precisely reach the tumor site with high stability and biocompatibility, prolonging the drug cycle of action and greatly reducing the occurrence of toxic side effects. In this paper, we mainly review the advantages of NDDS and the mechanisms that enhance conventional immunotherapy in solid tumors, and summarize the recent advances in NDDS-based therapeutic strategies, which will provide valuable ideas for the development of novel tumor immunotherapy regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Siyuan Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Daidi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xin He
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Academy of Medical Science, School of Basic Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Huiqiong Han
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanru Qin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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13
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Chen X, Meng F, Xu Y, Li T, Chen X, Wang H. Chemically programmed STING-activating nano-liposomal vesicles improve anticancer immunity. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4584. [PMID: 37524727 PMCID: PMC10390568 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40312-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The often immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) may hinder immune evasion and response to checkpoint blockade therapies. Pharmacological activation of the STING pathway does create an immunologically hot TME, however, systemic delivery might lead to undesired off-target inflammatory responses. Here, we generate a small panel of esterase-activatable pro-drugs based on the structure of the non-nucleotide STING agonist MSA-2 that are subsequently stably incorporated into a liposomal vesicle for intravenous administration. The pharmacokinetic properties and immune stimulatory capacity of pro-drugs delivered via liposomes (SAProsomes) are enhanced compared to the free drug form. By performing efficacy screening among the SAProsomes incorporating different pro-drugs in syngeneic mouse tumor models, we find that superior therapeutic performance relies on improved delivery to the desired tumor and lymphoid compartments. The best candidate, SAProsome-3, highly stimulates secretion of inflammatory cytokines and creates a tumoricidal immune landscape. Notably, upon application to breast cancer or melanoma mouse models, SAProsome-3 elicits durable remission of established tumors and postsurgical tumor-free survival while decreasing metastatic burden without significant systemic toxicity. In summary, our work establishes the proof of principle for a better targeted and more efficient and safe STING agonist therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P. R. China
| | - Fanchao Meng
- The First Affiliated Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P. R. China
| | - Yiting Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P. R. China
| | - Tongyu Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P. R. China
| | - Xiaolong Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P. R. China
| | - Hangxiang Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310003, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, P. R. China.
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, 250117, Jinan, Shandong Province, P. R. China.
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14
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Han S, Bao X, Zou Y, Wang L, Li Y, Yang L, Liao A, Zhang X, Jiang X, Liang D, Dai Y, Zheng QC, Yu Z, Guo J. d-lactate modulates M2 tumor-associated macrophages and remodels immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment for hepatocellular carcinoma. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadg2697. [PMID: 37467325 PMCID: PMC10355835 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg2697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
The polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) from M2 to M1 phenotype demonstrates great potential for remodeling the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). d-lactate (DL; a gut microbiome metabolite) acts as an endogenous immunomodulatory agent that enhances Kupffer cells for clearance of pathogens. In this study, the potential of DL for transformation of M2 TAMs to M1 was confirmed, and the mechanisms underlying such polarization were mainly due to the modulation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway. A poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticle (NP) was used to load DL, and the DL-loaded NP was modified with HCC membrane and M2 macrophage-binding peptide (M2pep), forming a nanoformulation (DL@NP-M-M2pep). DL@NP-M-M2pep transformed M2 TAMs to M1 and remodeled the immunosuppressive TME in HCC mice, promoting the efficacy of anti-CD47 antibody for long-term animal survival. These findings reveal a potential TAM modulatory function of DL and provide a combinatorial strategy for HCC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shulan Han
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xueying Bao
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yifang Zou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yutong Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Leilei Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Anqi Liao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital, affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Di Liang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yun Dai
- Laboratory of Cancer Precision Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Qing-Chuan Zheng
- Institute of Theoretical Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun 130023, China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Zhuo Yu
- Department of Hepatopathy, Shuguang Hospital, affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jianfeng Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
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15
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Liu Y, Fei Y, Wang X, Yang B, Li M, Luo Z. Biomaterial-enabled therapeutic modulation of cGAS-STING signaling for enhancing antitumor immunity. Mol Ther 2023; 31:1938-1959. [PMID: 37002605 PMCID: PMC10362396 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2023.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
cGAS-STING signaling is a central component in the therapeutic action of most existing cancer therapies. The accumulated knowledge of tumor immunoregulatory network in recent years has spurred the development of cGAS-STING agonists for tumor treatment as an effective immunotherapeutic strategy. However, the clinical translation of these agonists is thus far unsatisfactory because of the low immunostimulatory efficacy and unrestricted side effects under clinically relevant conditions. Interestingly, the rational integration of biomaterial technology offers a promising approach to overcome these limitations for more effective and safer cGAS-STING-mediated tumor therapy. Herein, we first outline the cGAS-STING signaling axis and generally discuss its association with tumors. We then symmetrically summarize the recent progress in those biomaterial-based cGAS-STING agonism strategies to generate robust antitumor immunity, categorized by the chemical nature of those cGAS-STING stimulants and carrier substrates. Finally, a perspective is provided to discuss the existing challenges and potential opportunities in cGAS-STING modulation for tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingqi Liu
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
| | - Yang Fei
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
| | - Xuan Wang
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
| | - Bingbing Yang
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China
| | - Menghuan Li
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China.
| | - Zhong Luo
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, P. R. China.
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16
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Wang K, Li Y, Wang X, Zhang Z, Cao L, Fan X, Wan B, Liu F, Zhang X, He Z, Zhou Y, Wang D, Sun J, Chen X. Gas therapy potentiates aggregation-induced emission luminogen-based photoimmunotherapy of poorly immunogenic tumors through cGAS-STING pathway activation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2950. [PMID: 37221157 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38601-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The immunologically "cold" microenvironment of triple negative breast cancer results in resistance to current immunotherapy. Here, we reveal the immunoadjuvant property of gas therapy with cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway activation to augment aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active luminogen (AIEgen)-based photoimmunotherapy. A virus-mimicking hollow mesoporous tetrasulfide-doped organosilica is developed for co-encapsulation of AIEgen and manganese carbonyl to fabricate gas nanoadjuvant. As tetra-sulfide bonds are responsive to intratumoral glutathione, the gas nanoadjuvant achieves tumor-specific drug release, promotes photodynamic therapy, and produces hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Upon near-infrared laser irradiation, the AIEgen-mediated phototherapy triggers the burst of carbon monoxide (CO)/Mn2+. Both H2S and CO can destroy mitochondrial integrity to induce leakage of mitochondrial DNA into the cytoplasm, serving as gas immunoadjuvants to activate cGAS-STING pathway. Meanwhile, Mn2+ can sensitize cGAS to augment STING-mediated type I interferon production. Consequently, the gas nanoadjuvant potentiates photoimmunotherapy of poorly immunogenic breast tumors in female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyuan Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, P. R. China
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
| | - Yang Li
- Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, 350002, China
- Department of Translational Medicine & Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Photoelectric Functional Materials, Xiamen Institute of Rare-Earth Materials, Haixi Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, P. R. China
| | - Xia Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, China
| | - Zhijun Zhang
- Center for AIE Research, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Liping Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyuan Fan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, P. R. China
| | - Bin Wan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, P. R. China
| | - Fengxiang Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, P. R. China
| | - Xuanbo Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, P. R. China
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
| | - Zhonggui He
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, P. R. China
| | - Yingtang Zhou
- National Engineering Research Center for Marine Aquaculture, Marine Science and Technology College, Zhejiang Ocean University, Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, 316004, China.
| | - Dong Wang
- Center for AIE Research, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China.
| | - Jin Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110016, P. R. China.
| | - Xiaoyuan Chen
- Departments of Diagnostic Radiology, Surgery, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119074, Singapore.
- Clinical Imaging Research Centre, Centre for Translational Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore.
- Nanomedicine Translational Research Program, NUS Center for Nanomedicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore.
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore.
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17
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Zhang J, Cui X, Huang Y, Xu X, Feng C, Li J. Anticancer Effect of STING Agonist-Encapsulated Liposomes on Breast Cancer. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28093740. [PMID: 37175150 PMCID: PMC10179927 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28093740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, posing a serious threat to human health. Recently, innate immunity has become a widely discussed topic in antitumor research. The STING pathway is an important component of innate immunity, and several STING agonists have been developed and applied in antitumor research. Dimeric amidobenzimidazole (diABZI) is one STING agonist and is a nucleotide analog with low serological stability and cell membrane permeability. In this study, we prepared diABZI-encapsulated liposomes (dLNPs) using the ammonium sulfate gradient method. The average particle size of the dLNPs was 99.76 ± 0.230 nm, and the encapsulation efficiency was 58.29 ± 0.53%. Additionally, in vivo and in vitro assays showed that the dLNPs had a sustained-release effect and that the circulation time in vivo was longer than 48 h. The expression of IFN-β and IFN-γ was elevated in mice treated with dLNPs. Moreover, we found that dLNPs can recruit CD8+ T cells to tumor tissue and exert antitumor effects. The dLNPs-treated group showed the most significant efficacy: the average tumor volume was 231.46 mm3, which decreased by 78.16% and 54.47% compared to the PBS group and diABZI group. Meanwhile, the hemolysis rate of the dLNPs was 2%, showing high biocompatibility. In conclusion, dLNPs can effectively suppress tumor growth and possess great potential in breast cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jibing Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China
| | - Xiao Cui
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China
| | - Yujiao Huang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Xiangdong Xu
- Liaocheng Inspection and Testing Center, Liaocheng 252000, China
| | - Changshun Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China
| | - Jun Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng 252059, China
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18
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Li YN, Shi X, Sun D, Han S, Zou Y, Wang L, Yang L, Li Y, Shi Y, Guo J, O'Driscoll CM. Delivery of melarsoprol using folate-targeted PEGylated cyclodextrin-based nanoparticles for hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Pharm 2023; 636:122791. [PMID: 36863541 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2023.122791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer, and has become one of the most lethal malignancies in the world. Although chemotherapy remains a cornerstone of cancer therapy, the number of chemotherapeutic drugs approved for HCC is low, and emerging therapeutics are needed. Melarsoprol (MEL) is an arsenic-containing drug, and has been applied in the treatment of human African trypanosomiasis at the late stage. In this study, the potential of MEL for HCC therapy was investigated for the first time using in vitro and in vivo experimental approaches. A folate-targeted polyethylene glycol-modified amphiphilic cyclodextrin nanoparticle was developed for safe, efficient and specific delivery of MEL. Consequently, the targeted nanoformulation achieved cell-specific uptake, cytotoxicity, apoptosis and migration inhibition in HCC cells. Furthermore, the targeted nanoformulation significantly prolonged the survival of mice with orthotopic tumor, without causing toxic signs. This study indicates the potential of the targeted nanoformulation as an emerging chemotherapy option for treating HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Nan Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Xiaoju Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Dandan Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Shulan Han
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yifang Zou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Leilei Yang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Yutong Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Jianfeng Guo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.
| | - Caitriona M O'Driscoll
- Pharmacodelivery Group, School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork T12 YN60, Ireland
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19
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Yin S, Mai Z, Liu C, Xu L, Xia C. Label-free-based quantitative proteomic analysis of the inhibition of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cell proliferation by cucurbitacin B. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 111:154669. [PMID: 36681055 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer is a serious threat to women's health, and resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs constitutes one of the principal reasons for ovarian cancer recurrence and the low overall survival rate. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to develop additional and more-effective drugs to combat resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. Cucurbitacin B (CuB) is a natural compound found in food plants such as bitter gourd and pumpkin, and it manifests favorable antitumor effects on a variety of malignant tumors. PURPOSE The present study aimed to determine the mechanism effects of CuB overcomes tumor-drug resistance in ovarian cancer. METHODS We used CCK-8, Edu, flow cytometric assays and cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer xenograft mouse model to evaluate the cellular proliferation, cellular apoptosis.and tumor growth. We subsequently applied a pharmacoproteomic approach to analyze the molecular mechanisms by which CuB inhibited the proliferation of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells. We also employed western blot and molecular docking experiments to verify elements of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway expression. RESULTS We found that CuB inhibited cellular proliferation and promoted apoptosis in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cell lines. We discerned that CuB inhibited tumor growth of xenograft mouse tumors. We ascertained that treatment of A2780-DDP cells with CuB resulted in the differential expression of 305 proteins, with 202 proteins downregulated and 103 proteins upregulated. Of these proteins, the mTOR protein was significantly downregulated in the drug-treated group. We also found that CuB inhibited PI3K, Akt, and mTOR and that it activated cGAS expression upstream of PI3K and inhibited ATR expression. Molecular docking experiments revealed that CuB was hydrogen-bonded to mTOR proteins at Gly (2142) and Thr (2207), with a binding force of -10.2 kcal/mol. CONCLUSION Our study confirmed that cucurbitacin B inhibits the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, targets mTOR, suppresses the proliferation of cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells.And we also found that cucurbitacin B induces DNA damage, activates cGASA and recruits IKBα,playing a crucial role in eliciting anti-tumor immunity. We herein uncovered a new use for CuB in inhibiting tumor-drug resistance, providing a novel approach to overcoming chemotherapeutic drug resistance in ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuanghong Yin
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Chlid Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 515150, China
| | - Zhikai Mai
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Chlid Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 515150, China
| | - Can Liu
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Chlid Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 515150, China
| | - Lipeng Xu
- Institute of New Drug Research and Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases, Jinan University College of Pharmacy, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Chenglai Xia
- Affiliated Foshan Maternity and Chlid Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528000, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 515150, China.
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20
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Chen S, Peng A, Chen M, Zhan M. Nanomedicines targeting activation of STING to reshape tumor immune microenvironment and enhance immunotherapeutic efficacy. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1093240. [PMID: 36741735 PMCID: PMC9890065 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1093240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has greatly enhanced the effectiveness of cancer treatments, but the efficacy of many current immunotherapies is still limited by the tumor-suppressive immune microenvironment. Multiple studies have shown that activating the stimulation of IFN genes (STING) pathway and inducing innate immunity can significantly impact the tumor immune microenvironment and improve antitumor therapy. While natural or synthetic STING agonists have been identified or developed for preclinical and clinical use, small molecule agonists have limited utility due to degradation and lack of targeting. As such, the delivery and release of STING agonists into tumor tissue is a major challenge that must be addressed in order to further advance the use of STING agonists. To address this challenge, various nanomedicines have been developed. In this paper, we concisely review the antitumor immunotherapeutic mechanisms of STING agonists, highlighting the latest developments in STING agonists and the current progress of nanomedicines for activating STING. We classify the different nanomedicines according to the STING agonists they utilize in order to facilitate understanding of recent advances in this field. Finally, we also discuss the prospects and challenges of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Chen
- Zhuhai Interventional Medical Center, Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People’s Hospital, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Anghui Peng
- Zhuhai Interventional Medical Center, Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People’s Hospital, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Muhe Chen
- Zhuhai Interventional Medical Center, Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People’s Hospital, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China,*Correspondence: Muhe Chen, ; Meixiao Zhan,
| | - Meixiao Zhan
- Zhuhai Interventional Medical Center, Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People’s Hospital, Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People’s Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China,*Correspondence: Muhe Chen, ; Meixiao Zhan,
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Chen Z, Yue Z, Yang K, Li S. Nanomaterials: small particles show huge possibilities for cancer immunotherapy. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:484. [DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01692-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractWith the economy's globalization and the population's aging, cancer has become the leading cause of death in most countries. While imposing a considerable burden on society, the high morbidity and mortality rates have continuously prompted researchers to develop new oncology treatment options. Anti-tumor regimens have evolved from early single surgical treatment to combined (or not) chemoradiotherapy and then to the current stage of tumor immunotherapy. Tumor immunotherapy has undoubtedly pulled some patients back from the death. However, this strategy of activating or boosting the body's immune system hardly benefits most patients. It is limited by low bioavailability, low response rate and severe side effects. Thankfully, the rapid development of nanotechnology has broken through the bottleneck problem of anti-tumor immunotherapy. Multifunctional nanomaterials can not only kill tumors by combining anti-tumor drugs but also can be designed to enhance the body's immunity and thus achieve a multi-treatment effect. It is worth noting that the variety of nanomaterials, their modifiability, and the diversity of combinations allow them to shine in antitumor immunotherapy. In this paper, several nanobiotics commonly used in tumor immunotherapy at this stage are discussed, and they activate or enhance the body's immunity with their unique advantages. In conclusion, we reviewed recent advances in tumor immunotherapy based on nanomaterials, such as biological cell membrane modification, self-assembly, mesoporous, metal and hydrogels, to explore new directions and strategies for tumor immunotherapy.
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